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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Yes, Eye M looking forward to the New Year. I honestly don't want to look back. 2008 wasn't a bad year. It presented itself with many challenges. I don't regret the challenges. I'm just tired of them. 2008 also brought a lot of joy. I think of the memories and smile. The history, to me, is not important. The results are what matters. What are the results of the joys and challenges?1) I'm stronger now than I was at the beginning of 2008.2) I've learned some valuable lessons.3) My dear doggie friend, Spike, is still with me.4) I love my children more now than yesterday.5) Hope is a word in my vocabulary.6) I'm never bored!7) We are on the down side of winter and headed towards spring.8) I have some wonderful friends.9) I've learned that there is justice in the world.10) I've learned that I am truly blessed!

I make no resolutions. I hope that I can have a positive influence in my world. I hope that I can give love, even to the most difficult to love. I hope that I can forgive. I hope that I can pray.

We are only a few hours away from the New Year. I wish for you these blessings.

May the peace of God be with each of you! May you be blessed in abundance with love, family, and friends. May your health be good and remain good. May you find peace, love, and joy each and everyday of your life. May you blossom and continue to show your goodness to the world. May you be the instrument of change for the better of this world. May you sleep well at night. Last, but not least, may your hangers not shrink your clothes!

Happy 2009!!!!

Oh, time for the advertisement! The Eye button is in my etsy store! Check it out!

Monday, December 29, 2008

It's appalling. I'm not going to mention names, but their cruelty has hurt someone who didn't need to be hurt. The issue could have been taken care of without the public display of unbecoming cruelty and without the involvement of people who had no vested interest in the problem that they feel/felt existed.

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. They lash out at anyone who gets in their way or who disagrees with them. They bully people, and truly, have changed the face of a forum which once was a good place to be. I don't feel it's like that any more. It's sad.

Trish, I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry that I didn't stand up with and for you. From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry. No one deserves to be treated the way you were treated. I am so very, very sorry. You didn't and still don't deserve to be treated with such cruelty.

Please remember, Trish, karma is a bitch. What goes around comes around. Their treatment of you was far worse than anything you could have ever done. It was and still is appalling. I'm sorry.

Monday, December 22, 2008

One of the things I like best about making lampwork beads is that once they are made, they don't shrink. You make them to a certain size and shape, and glass beads stay that way, unless you happen to drop them on concrete or ceramic tile floors where they might shatter. This vessel, for example, is a blown lampwork vessel. I blew the glass and shaped the vessel. I put the shaped vessel back in the flame to gently warm the glass, and then I put the vessel in the kiln to soak. When the kiln cooled, and I removed the vessel, it was still the same shape, and, most importantly, the same size that it had been when I put it in the kiln. No shrinkage there at all.

The same is not true of clothing. After the intense heat of the summer, while my jeans hung on the hangers, I trusted they would be the same size when autumn came around. Can you imagine my surprise when, on the first cool day of autumn, I put on a pair of jeans, and they had shrunk! "That doesn't happen with glass," I thought!

I tried on another pair of jeans. Same result. I thought about the problem. I knew what had happened. The hangers shrunk my jeans! I looked at those brightly colored pieces of plastic, and I knew. They were the cause of my discomfort when I put on the jeans. I solved that problem easily enough, I threw the hangers away! No more of those hangers making my jeans shrink again! I bought new jeans.

Then came the holiday season. I pulled out a pair of slacks to wear to a party. What? The hangers struck again! My pants from last season were too small! I don't understand this. I don't want to feel paranoid around my hangers, but I know they were the cause of the misfit slacks. Stupid hangers, they shrunk my clothes again! I'll never buy that brand of hangers again. After the holidays, I plan to write the manufacturers and tell them why I will never buy their hangers. It's not my fault these clothes don't fit.

At least, my pendants haven't changed. The vessels I wear are the same size. Stupid hangers! Buy glass instead!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The words, "Winter Solstice" evoke, in my mind, the images of cold, blue, dark light, and peaceful. I picture a most romantic scene from Dr. Zhivago in which the horse drawn sleigh is slowly going through the bleak countryside. The snow is thick, heavy and deep. Even though the passengers are cold, there is love and peace in that sleigh.

All right, the photo is one I've used before, and it certainly wasn't taken during the winter solstice, but I needed an image, so just pretend, all right?

This year, the winter solstice happens today, on December 21, 2008. I don't know at what time, but the earth will gently tilt to begin a journey into a new season. Today will be the darkest day of the year. Night light will last longer than day light, and because of this, tomorrow, we begin our journey into the light. Each day, until mid-summer, we will add a bit more daylight to our day. At that point, the earth will again tilt to begin the onset of winter and hibernation.

The day after the winter solstice is my favorite day of the year. Each day, we see more light. Each day holds the promise of the upcoming spring. This year, Decembere 21st is the darkest it will be for a long time. Now, we can look forward to spring, where we, again, see the light.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Deronda, of Deronda Designs on Etsy, is one of the most talented and versatile glass artists that I have ever met! Let's start our trip so that you can see how wonderful Deronda's Designs are! Working out of her studio in Fessenden, North Dakota, Deronda, who never ceases to amaze me with her talent, works with both fused glass and lampwork glass.

I love this night light! With the snow hiding all the flowers right now, this would be a perfect accent for any room in the house. Wow, Deronda, great job!

This bead is one of my favorites made by Deronda! I love her trees! She is an artist in other mediums, and those skills transfer to glass. Wow! I only wish I could make a tree!

Here's more fused glass from Deronda! What a great idea! This work of art holds business cards. Deronda calls it "Purple n Blue fused Glass Business Card Holder. What a great idea! I love it!

What would you call this bead? Deronda calls it Yummy Purple Lampork Bead Focal. Isn't it stunning! What a great pendant this bead would make for a beautiful necklace you could wear all year long! Awesome, Deronda!

Again, this was a quick tour through another outstanding Etsy Store! Make sure you visit this great store. You won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Transitions in Glass is owned and operated by Sueze a friend from Canada. Sueze is also a fantastic glass bead artist who has found many other outlets for her creativity, that is, until she found glass!Sueze's love for melting and shaping glass is shown so clearly in her work! In addition to melting glass, Sueze also has a wonderful blog. On your way out the door to her shop, be sure to visit her blog. Sueze has a very interesting feature in her blog. It's called "The Tip of the Day." Check it out!

Now, here's a sample from Sueze's Etsy store. It's called Orange Sherbert. I don't know about you, but I'm headed for the freezer right now to look for some orange sherbert. Doesn't this bead set look delicious? Where is that sherbert? I'm hungry now!

This focal can be found in Sueze's store. Isn't it beautiful? It's called Lost Feathers. Can't you just feel the softness of the edge of the feather? This organic bead has the touch and feel of Mother Earth.

Look at the organic qualities of this set. I see a sunset and I see silver swirled around the focal bead and that reminds me of the evening sky! This set is stunning! It's called "Sunset at Nanoose Bay." Awesome!

I've saved my favorite bead for last! Wow! This organic focal is called: Dark Ivory, Purple, Pink and Green Lampwork Bead. Isn't it stunning? I think I just love to look at this bead. Fabulous work, Sueze! Thank you for letting us visit!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Cinnamon and Honey, although not a glass store, is still a wonderful store to visit! Robin Honig Willens is the owner and proprietor of this wonderful store and she is a very talented artist in her own right. Robin makes one of a kind greeting cards, and they are lovely!Oh, before I forget, Robin has an awesome blog, too! Make sure to visit her blog. I can honestly say, I've never seen such a great blog! I love the way Robin has designed her blog. It's amazing! You won't be disappointed.

Here are some samples of the artistic presentaions in Cinnamon and Honey on Etsy.

Wouldn't you just love to open this card for your birthday? This, by itself, would be a wonderful gift! My birthday is in October! Don't forget!

Need an announcement for a new baby? Need a card of congratulations for the new parents, here's what will feel your needs! Ducky, it's a Girl! There is also a corresponding card for a boy. This of the possibilities!

How about this Happy Cupcake Birthday card! Do I need to remind you, again, that my birthday is in October! Robin is such a talented young woman!

'Tis the season, so how about this great Snow Ho! Ho! Card. Isn't it great?

Take time for a visit to Robin's store. I think you'll enjoy the change of scenery, and, I assure you, you'll be very glad you did!

Monday, December 15, 2008

When I work on the torch making a bead, I often have a specific idea in mind of what I would like to accomplish. Sometimes it's the use of specific colors for reactions. Most often, it's a technique I would like to practice. The beads that I have showcased here were beads that amazed me when they came out of the kiln. The final product was not what I had intended and had not been planned. I didn't see the result on one bead until I attempted to photograph it and held it in the light.

When I looked at this bead, I immediately saw a Christmas or pine tree. I had used a special glass called filigrana to see if I could achieve a different effect. The result was not what I expected. Can you see the tree?

I've shown this bead before. I used a combination of shards (thin pieces of hand blown glass that are broken into pieces) and fine silver wire. I melted in the shards to the molten glass that was already on the mandrel, then I added the wire which melted into droplets of silver. I pressed the bead, and put the bead in the kiln. I knew that both sides of the beads would be different after soaking. I didn't know how different they would be. What do you see on the second bead? I see a lady in the stars with the lights of sunset behind her.

This bead is the bead that amazed me only after I tried to photograph it with the light behind it. What do you see? I see a side portrait of a man in the transparent blue.

The last bead is one I have named Tornado. I added different glass colors to this bead, including silvered ivory stringer (SIS). I just wanted to rake the layers to mix the colors. When this bead came out of the kiln, I saw it! Tornado!

Let me know. Do you see what I see or do you see other things? I'd really like to hear your ideas!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Beadabundant! Karolen Deupree is the owner and operator of this store! What she does with silver glass is nothing but pure magic! I have followed her blog for a while, and each time she posts a new work of art, my jaw drops at what she can do with silver glass! Let's start with a few items in her store.

These beads are called "Ivory and Metallic Shard Beads." I maintain that these are not just beads, but they are magic! Wow!

These beads are made with Terra, I think. Karolen, please correct me if I'm wrong. Karolen has managed to coax the color out of a very difficult glass. Karolen is amazing!

This set is called Earth Tone Rounds with Silver Dots. Isn't this a gorgeous set? The silver dots add so much to this set. Amazing!

This set is my absolute favorite in Karolen's store! It's called Iridiscent Gold and CinnamonScroll Beads. Aren't they stunning!

Take a trip to Karolen's store, Beadabundant. You will never regret it!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Yes, they are ordinary slippers. They don't have flames on them. They are fairly well worn, but they are my torching slippers, and I keep loosing them!

That's odd, you might think. My response is, "Yes and no." If you knew me well, you would not think that the ability to loose my slippers was strange at all. I am always loosing things around the house only to find them later. For example, the dust cloth. I found that in the refrigerator one day. No, I wasn't dusting the inside of the refrigerator. I was putting away the sour cream, which, by the way, I found with my cleaning supplies. Yes, it was a bit spoiled, but I did find both of the items I had been seeking.

Then, there was the day I lost the keys to my car. I searched the house high and low. I checked the pants I had worn. I checked the pockets. There I found 32 cents in change. I checked the car. I checked the garage. I checked my purse. No such luck Luckily, we have a second set of keys. and I was able to drive my car. This was early spring. Then came one of the first cool days of fall. I left for the store. Came home. There in the left hand pocket was, not only one set of keys, but two. I had put the extra set in there, too. Whew!

Does this explain why I'm not surprised to be loosing my slippers? At first, I thought I had a logical suspect.He does like to steal my things and hide them where he thinks I won't find them. So I checked the dirt from the plant that he throws on the floor to hide his treats from me. Wait a second, there was no dirt on the floor. So, I checked downstairs where he's been hiding things near my work area. No slippers there. I swear, Spike seemed to just look at me with total amazement in his eyes that I would even consider he might steal my slippers. Well, maybe he didn't steal them, but who would?

Now that there is snow on the ground, I always leave my shoes with heavy treads at the door so that I can slip them on when I leave the house. The first time, I found the slippers by the back door. So, the next time I lost them, I looked there. I do learn quickly. No, the slippers weren't there, but I did find them by the front door. Apparently, I had left them there when I went to get the mail. Now, I knew two places where I could look. The other day, I lost my slippers again. They weren't by the front door, and they weren't by the back door. Where could they be? I looked, but had to use some other shoes to torch in that day. Later, I came up. I don't know how they got there, but they were on top of a cabinet in the entry way. I don't know which I'd rather loose, my torching slippers or my mind. Ooops! I think my mind is already gone. I sure hope I can keep track of those slippers! They keep my feet toasty warm.

Friday, December 12, 2008

1) The doctor said to help control my diabetes, I need to get back into the exercise mode.

2) Wii Fit is supposed to be a good series of exercises.

3) A friend has one and loves it!

4) I've been thinking about this for a very long time.

5) Spike is too old to walk everyday.

Reasons not to buy a Wii:

1) It's Black Friday, and no one has any.3)

2) They are expensive and if I don't use it, it's a waste of money.

3) The games are expensive.

4) I'm way to old for a child's toy.

5) I would need another controller and numchuck--more expense.

Decision:

1) Nick took me to a store that actually had them in stock.

2) Early Christmas present, to hell with the expense.

3) I like the dance game.

Bought the Wii.

1) I tried the Dance game, and I was soundly booed by the game. I'm insulted. Just because I'm not coordinated is no reason to boo someone, you stupid computer program.

2) I will try the dance game again, soon.

3) I love the Sports games!

4) I'm good at tennis.

5) I suck at bowling.

6) Baseball is BORING!

7) Not crazy about the golf.

8) I'M GOOD AT BOXING! I haven't lost a match yet. I have won all my matches by knockouts except for 2 which were decisions in my favor.

Nick took the picture of me boxing the first night. I boxed for an hour and a half. You do forget about the time. He wanted to box me, and we tried, but I was too tired. I had to quit, so, technically he won, but he really wouldn't have if I hadn't been so tired, so that match doesn't count.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Today, we are off to Sun Daisy Gems owned and operated by Trisha McKendry. Trisha's store is fabulous and fascinating. Trisha is a young wife and mother. Where she finds time to do all of the glass work that she does, I don't know. Her work is fabulous! I can only give you a short view of all the fabulous glass in her Etsy store.

Isn't this a fabulous toggle? I love the colors Trisha uses in he work. She works with both soft glass (Soda Lime Glass) and borosilicate glass (Pyrex). She does an outstanding job with both types of glass! You'll see that as we walk through her store.

Look at this beautiful vessel that Trisha made! It's blown glass, and the vessel is stunning! Look at the beautiful shape and form of this vessel.Awesome!

This is one of my favorite pieces in Trisha's store! It's called "Baby Blue Bloom Pregnant Lampwork Goddess." Trisha also has a Pink Baby Bloom in her store. You really have to visit her store.

In addition to her glass work, Trisha has written a tutorial on this fabulous bead. (I hope that there are many more tutorials to come!) It is well written and full of great photos. I just printed off my copy. I'm anxious to get to work on it! Like I said, I don't know how this wife and young mother is able to get done all that she does. Take a look at her store. You won't regret it.